Review of Hacksaw Ridge (2016) by Anuj & A — 18 Feb 2017

Hacksaw Ridge gives us a look at a grown-up and focused Mel Gibson behind the camera.

With the graphic and painful story of the Battle of Hacksaw Ridge as the backdrop, Mel Gibson provides focused direction without being overtly preachy and keeping the focus on the pain and gore of combat. The true tale of Desmond Doss (though slightly tweaked to make for a better dramatic narrative) provides a new and fresh angle for yet another World War II movie. The character of Doss and particularly his the relationship with the Doss patriarch are brought to life vividly by some fantastic acting from Andrew Garfield and Hugo Weaving. And a warm, light-handed comedic spice is surprisingly delivered by Vince Vaughn as the tough love drill sergeant. The production design is great and although the VFX aren't great, they are used properly and sparingly to keep an organic and gritty tone without too many jump-cut style combat shots.

All in all it's good, but not great. A unmemorable score carries the film but never leaves an emotional impression the way the performances from the cast do. And while being a fun 2 hours and a heavy story to take in and enjoy, it just doesn't fall into that batch of war films you feel like you need to own on the shelf and watch again someday.